``Moatinoon`` Readers are Divided on the Governments Move Regarding the Switzerland Talks

Report - Moatinoon
Opinions among the readers following "Moatinoon" platforms are divided between optimism, pessimism, and cautious optimism regarding the Sudanese governments response to the U.S. invitation for talks between the warring parties in Sudan, scheduled to begin on August 14 in Switzerland. While some political and social forces welcomed the governments move and urged both the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces to attend the Geneva talks for the sake of Sudan, others were more skeptical.

The Sudanese government, through its Ministry of Foreign Affairs, expressed some reservations about the U.S. invitation and requested a meeting with the American side to consult on the negotiation agenda. Meanwhile, the Rapid Support Forces had already announced their acceptance of the invitation to Switzerland.

Adil Mahjoub Hussein, a follower of "moatinoon," commented, "If the government is confident and serious about negotiations, they should go directly to Geneva to learn the agenda and engage in the talks. Asking for a meeting with the Americans is just stalling, and they might see it as a way to regain face since the invitation was extended to Burhan, the armys leader, and not to the government."

In a statement issued by U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, the U.S. invitation for the Switzerland talks called for the presence of both the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces as negotiating parties. The statement clearly indicated that the discussions are not intended to address broader political issues, urging both parties to attend the talks and engage constructively to save lives, halt the fighting, and find a negotiated political solution to the conflict.

Youssef Ibrahim welcomed the governments decision to go to Switzerland, describing it as "wise and prudent." Meanwhile, Mo Izz, another follower of "moatinoon," conditioned the validity of the decision on the aim being to stop the war. He added, "But if the goal is to continue stalling and wasting time, then may our country find peace."

After extensive consultations, the Sudanese government decided on Friday to send an official delegation to Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, to consult with the U.S. government about the invitation to attend the Switzerland talks.

A government statement obtained by "moatinoon" emphasized the Sudanese governments commitment to achieving peace, security, and stability in the country and alleviating the suffering caused by the war waged by the Rapid Support Forces on the citizens.

Mohd Elmortada, another "moatinoon" follower, commented that the decision was correct, although delayed, adding that Sudan has lost lives, property, and infrastructure, and many citizens have been displaced inside and outside the country. He further warned that the country is now facing natural disasters from rains, floods, and famine that threaten the remaining population. Therefore, the war between the army and its offspring must cease to bring peace, security, and stability to our country and people.

Today, the head of the government delegation to Jeddah, Mohamed Bashir Abu Nummo, announced the end of consultations without agreeing on the participation of the Sudanese delegation in the Geneva talks—a recommendation to leadership, whether the delegation represents the army according to their wishes or the government according to the governments decision. He said the final decision is left to the leaderships discretion, noting that many details led to this decision to end the consultative dialogue without agreement.

Alwathig Yusif, commenting on "moatinoon" survey of its followers, described the governments move as procrastination and maneuvering by the army. At the same time, the Rapid Support Forces are diplomatically giving the impression that they are more flexible and more eager to stop the war.

On the political and social forces side, many urged both warring parties to go to Switzerland to end the war and begin rebuilding what has been destroyed.

The National Mechanism for Supporting Democratic Transition and Ending the War, in a statement issued on August 8, praised regional and international vigilance regarding Sudans rights to the unity of its people and sovereignty over its lands and resources. It emphasized that brothers and friends must support Sudan in ending the war, "especially as the voices of Sudanese people have risen on all domestic and international platforms, including the international platform in Geneva on August 14, 2024, to stop the war, provide humanitarian aid to all those affected, and pave the way for establishing a Sudan of peace and justice, and a Sudan of regional and global partnership."

Meanwhile, the Kassala Resistance Committees sent a firm message to the Sudanese army and the Rapid Support Forces, urging them to commit to the Switzerland negotiations. In a statement, they rejected the continuation of what they described as a "dirty war that kills innocents and destroys our future."

The Geneva negotiations, scheduled for August 14, are considered by the Kassala Resistance Committees as a historic opportunity for both parties to demonstrate national responsibility and prepare to end the catastrophe they caused.

They called for an immediate halt to military operations and a ceasefire, urging both sides to sit at the negotiation table with full seriousness. They warned that any attempt to procrastinate or manipulate the fate of the Sudanese people would only increase their suffering and threaten the countrys unity and social cohesion.

The Sudanese Journalists Syndicate, in a public statement, expressed its deep welcome to the positive steps taken by the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces toward negotiations. The syndicate sees this direction as a glimmer of hope toward ending the ongoing bloodshed in our country and closing the chapter on a devastating war that has left behind unbearable bloodshed and destruction.

The syndicate called on all parties to intensify their efforts and accelerate the negotiation process to ensure an immediate and comprehensive cessation of the bloody fighting and to put an end to the worsening humanitarian crisis.

They stressed that any upcoming settlement must include strong and clear guarantees to protect the rights of victims and provide fair compensation, holding those responsible for gross violations accountable. Justice must be at the heart of any agreement leading to peace, as a stable future can only be built through achieving justice and comprehensive reconciliation.

Meanwhile, in the Ethiopian capital, Addis Ababa, supported by the African Union, sessions are being held to consult on the future of the post-war political process. These sessions include the Democratic Civil Forces Assembly "Tagadom," the Sudan Peoples Liberation Movement – North, the Sudan Liberation Movement – Abdul Wahid, the Baath Party, and the Popular Congress Party.